SPRING BREAK SAFETY

PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR SURROUNDINGS

For spring break, you may be in a new place that you’re used to. It is important to be aware of your surroundings.

Going on vacation for spring break can be as much fun and fulfilling without alcohol. Find interesting and new things in your surrounding environment. Use the time to connect with yourself and recharge emotionally and physically.
Remember to wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun, even in colder and snowier places
Regarding cannabis use: if traveling out of state, be mindful of laws regarding medical/recreational use. Possession, even with a medical card, can be penalized in other states.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Have a plan of how to safely get home before going out!

SET YOUR PERSONAL BOUNDARIES

Being outside your normal environment, both physically and in your routine can influence your behavioral tolerance. From alcohol, to sleep, to sun exposure, Spring Break is different from your usual school week. It is important to set personal boundaries that work for you, while respecting the boundaries others set.

OTHER SPRING BREAK TIPS

- Alcohol Safety:
  - Consuming alcohol in hot weather can increase your risk of severe dehydration and heat stroke. Drinking water in hot weather is important even if you’re not drinking alcohol!
  - Research shows that tolerance can change in new environments.
  - When in a new place, the amount you usually drink may make you feel more intoxicated than usual.
  - “Tolerance doesn’t travel”
  Buzzed Driving:
  - Even though the legal BAC limit for a DUI is 0.08, research shows that people are already physically impaired to drive at 0.05 BAC (so much so that the National Transportation Safety Board recommends lowering the DUI limit).
  - Some states have different DUI limits, especially for those under 21.
  - The risk of being killed in a one-car accident with a BAC between 0.05 – 0.079 is 7 to 21 times higher than having a BAC of 0.00.
  - Either drive sober or don’t drive at all!
  Marijuana:
  - State laws vary regarding legal marijuana use.
  - In Florida, only medical use is legal.
  - If you return to Florida with marijuana, you can face legal consequences for possession.
  - Resource: https://www.oberk.com/marijuanalawsbystate
  Skin Health:
  - Sunscreen should be ideally 30 and have UVA and UVB protection.
  - Sunscreen should also be reapplied every few hours (or sooner if in the water).
  Buddy System:
  - Pair up beforehand if traveling in a group
  - Avoid people you don’t know who seem pushy
  - Discuss expectations/boundaries with friends before going out/traveling
  - Especially important in a bar/club situation
  - Create a safe word or gesture so your buddy will know if you are uncomfortable/need to leave
  - Remind students that there is a fully staffed Travel Clinic on the first floor of the Student Health Care Center if they have any questions about traveling abroad and their health (example: travel vaccinations).
  - According to the National Sleep Foundation, 60% of Americans have driven while feeling sleepy and 37% have admitted to falling asleep behind the wheel. Research shows that drowsy driving is as dangerous as drunk driving, so pull over and take a nap if driving.